Key takeaway
If you are unemployed and want to return to full-time education, the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) lets you keep your social welfare payment while studying.
Key things to know
- You must be on a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period before applying (usually 9 months).
- BTEA allows you to attend full-time second or third-level education while keeping your payment.
- You may also qualify for a cost of education allowance (annual lump sum) to cover books and materials.
- BTEA does not affect the SUSI grant — you can claim both.
- You must get approval from your Intreo Case Officer before starting your course.
What Is BTEA?
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people who are receiving qualifying social welfare payments to return to full-time education at second or third level while continuing to receive a weekly payment.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you generally must be:
- Receiving Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance, Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, or another qualifying payment
- On that payment for a minimum qualifying period — usually at least 9 months (check current requirements at gov.ie, as rules change)
- Aged 21 or over for third-level courses, or 24+ in some cases — check the current rules
- Returning to full-time education for the first time at that level, or seeking an upgrade to a higher qualification
The Course
BTEA covers:
- Second-level courses (Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, PLC)
- Third-level courses (diplomas, degrees, postgraduate) at colleges on the approved list
Distance learning or part-time courses do not qualify.
How Much Is Paid?
You receive the same weekly rate as your current social welfare payment. You also receive an annual Cost of Education Allowance of approximately €500 (check mywelfare.ie for the current amount) to help with books and materials. You continue to receive any qualified adult or child dependant payments.
SUSI Grant and BTEA
You can claim both BTEA and the SUSI student grant simultaneously. SUSI covers fees and, depending on your income, a maintenance grant. BTEA provides your weekly living payment. Combining both provides significant financial support.
How to Apply
- Contact your Intreo Case Officer to discuss your plans and confirm eligibility before applying to any course
- Secure a place on an approved course
- Complete the application form (BTE1), available at your Intreo Centre or mywelfare.ie
- Approval must be granted before you start the course — do not begin without written approval
Official Sources
Sources: gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, mywelfare.ie
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.